DENVER - Colorado has yanked
a Spanish-language guide for new immigrants from a state Web site following
criticism that it encouraged illegal aliens to take advantage of government
benefits.

Gov. Bill Owens, who had earlier endorsed the guide
posted on the state education site, said Wednesday he wasn't aware some of
its advice seemed targeted at those living in Colorado illegally. It was
removed Monday after Rep. Tom Tancredo, a fellow Republican and outspoken
proponent of tighter controls on immigration, wrote to Owens criticizing it.

The pamphlet contains information about everything
from how to get a driver's license to domestic abuse laws. It also says
health clinics don't have to see immigration papers before providing
treatment and that children born in the United States can qualify for
certain health benefits even if their parents are here illegally.

The medical director of a Colorado clinic that helped put the
pamphlet together said he was disappointed.

"I think it's folding to political pressure and
fear-mongering," said Tillman Farley of the Salud Family Health Centers,
based in Fort Morgan.

He said the advice is aimed at legal immigrants but
conceded the information could be used by those here illegally. He said it
merely explains existing law and that all Colorado residents benefit if, for
example, the children of immigrants are immunized and pregnant women get
medical care.

Farley said it's not fair to compare the pamphlet to
the comic book guide published by the Mexican government giving tips to
people who decide to enter the United States illegally. He said the Colorado
pamphlet doesn't encourage people to immigrate but simply helps those who
are already here become familiar with American customs and laws.

"It's just like the 'Welcome to Colorado' sign on the
highway. It doesn't exclude anybody," he said.

Tancredo spokesman Carlos Espinosa said clinics like
Farley's have an interest in defending illegal immigration because they
receive federal aid to care for immigrants. He said illegal immigrants don't
pay income taxes, and the sales taxes they contribute doesn't cover the
government services they use.

"Clearly they don't put in what they take out," he
said.

Owens, who signed a bill into law Wednesday that
restores Medicaid benefits to legal immigrants, said he supports helping
newcomers who pay taxes and play by the rules.

"I want to encourage those who are here legally to
assimilate and become part of American life," he said.